Russian Orthodox Patriarch conducts Sunday Service in Turkey Church
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill conducted Sunday service in the patriarchal church of Aya Yorgi (St. George) at the Fener Greek Orthodox patriarchate in Istanbul.
The spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians said on Saturday progress had been made in talks with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church on their dispute over the Estonian Church.
Patriarch Kirill was enthroned as leader of the Russian Orthodox Church five months ago. Also, Kirill said that he was paying formal visits to Orthodox churches after he became the Patriarch of Moscow, and he was making his first visit to Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate according to the protocol of the Orthodox Church.
Relations between the Churches have been strained in recent years because Churches in some former Soviet states, such as Estonia, have broken away from the Russian Orthodox Church and tried to pledge allegiance to the patriarch in Istanbul.
The disagreement led the Russians to walk out of a meeting of Catholic and Orthodox theologians in Italy two years ago. Moscow says the Estonians should be under its authority.
“There has been progress within a good framework. We discussed all the issues openly and very sincerely. Our intention is to debate and resolve the remaining problems in the future with good will and with sincerity,” Fener Greek Orthodox patriarch Bartholomew told reporters.
Kirill talked of compromise.
“The problems which remain on the agenda must be solved in a wise and compromising way. We go along this path,” he said.
The Fener Greek Orthodox patriarch also expressed belief on Saturday that the Turkish government would solve Heybeliada seminary issue.
Patriarch Bartholomew said he believed the Turkish government was determined to resolve the Heybeliada seminary issue.
“There are positive developments, but we have not received any news from Ankara,” Bartholomew told reporters after his meeting with Patriarch Kirill of the Moscow Orthodox Church in Istanbul.
Kirill also said that he wanted to discuss faith tourism with Turkish authorities.
The Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill later visited the Hagia Sophia Museum.
Patriarchs Bartholomew and Kirill attended a Sunday prayer service at the Church of St. George in Istanbul.
